Dear Editor: I would like to express my appreciation to The Demopolis Times for the outstanding coverage provided this year to Project Merry Christmas, the annual Christmas program administered by the Department of Human Resources. Our ability to provide Christmas assistance to Marengo County families is totally dependent on contributions from county citizens and groups.

Applications for families wishing to participate are placed around the county in October and shortly thereafter we begin receiving the applications, this year from 447 families. We never really know until almost Christmas Day (some years, not even then) if contributions will match applications.

There is always a bit of anxiety in this regard, but with agency cutbacks and a shaky economy, this year was especially nerve wracking.

Due in large part to your excellent pre-program publicity and then ongoing articles and photos about this year’s activities, this was another record breaking year. Approximately $18,000 in financial contributions and approximately $10,000 in-kind contributions helped fill the stockings of some nine hundred and twenty-seven children in the county. Needy adults in the department’s caseload are also served.

I would like to recognize Mary Sue Henry who served as program coordinator and her helpers; Dean Davis, Rita Norris, Susie Judd, Diane Wiggins, Tammy Emmons and many others in the department for this volunteer effort, which is in addition to their other responsibilities.

Most importantly, thanks to the citizens, schools, classrooms, churches, Sunday school classes, businesses, clubs and organizations who made the season a happier one for Marengo County children.

Sincerely,

Jack Marler, LCSW

Director,

Marengo County Department of Human Resources